Real Madrid's stodgy but vital 2-1 win at Alavés on Sunday should have been just what the doctor ordered for embattled, under-fire coach Xabi Alonso. With only two wins in their previous eight games -- one in LaLiga and one in the UEFA Champions League -- the club's patience had already reached a breaking point.
Kylian Mbappé returning to the team at Mendizorroza to score his 26th goal in 22 matches, the previously "missing in action" Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo combining to produce the winner, and a successful debut for 19-year-old youth-team product Víctor Valdepeñas at left back, during a crisis of nine first-team players being injured or suspended, should have calmed the storm.